Allow’s claim you place 7-10 grams of cannabis right into a batch of cannabis brownies. You cook them, wrap them all up, as well as placed them in a cooler in the rear of your auto for tomorrow. On the way to your friend’s area, you get stoppeded as well as at some pointsearched by the cops. They discover the brownies in the colder and fee you with possession of cannabis. Leaving aside the validity of why you were stoppeded or searched, how many grams of cannabis can you be accuseded of? 7-10? Reconsider. You will be accuseded of the overall weight of the brownies. By instilling cannabis into chocolate brownies you have actually practiced lawful alchemy. In the eyes of the legislation,
you have actually amazingly changed the delicious chocolate, the butter, the salt, the eyes, into cannabis. The legal interpretation of the weight of marijuana in edibles varies by state. “Nonetheless, a lot of states see the weight of the entire edible cannabis the same as if it was all cannabis flowers,” claimed Robert J Callahan
The absurdity of this legal obscurity has actually made the information recently. Chicago indigenous and the godfather of Drill rap, Principal Keef, was jailed on June 12, 2017, after flight terminal security at Sioux Falls Regional Airport discovered 4 blunts and edible marijuana candies in his carry on baggage. He remained in Souix Falls for an anti-bullying project. He is currently confronting 5 years behind bars for this felony infraction.

In South Dakota, based on the weight of the 4 blunts, Chief Keef would certainly be encountering just a violation violation. What makes Chief Keef’s case an excellent instance is that the weight of the edible cannabis candies pushed the costs over the limit needed for felony charges. It wasn’t the blunts composed of real cannabis blossom,
it was the edibles that caused Chief Keef to be facing felony costs. His trial is established for February. South Dakota, like Illinois legislation, makes no difference in between the weight of cannabis plant/flower or marijuana edible, vape, or wax.
Illinois legislation defines cannabis as: “Marijuana” consists of marijuana, hashish and other substances which are determined as
including any kind of parts of the plant Cannabis Sativa, whether growing or not; the seeds
thereof, the material removed from any type of part of such plant; and any substance,
manufacture, salt, derivative, mix, or prep work of such plant, its seeds, or resin,
including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and all various other cannabinol derivatives, consisting of
its normally taking place or artificially created ingredients, whether generated
straight or indirectly by removal, or individually through chemical synthesis or
by a combination of extraction and chemical synthesis; but will not consist of the mature
stalks of such plant, fiber generated from such stalks, oil or cake made from the seeds of such plant, any other compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mix, or prep work of
such fully grown stalks (other than the material removed therefrom), fiber, oil or cake, or the
sanitized seed of such plant which is incapable of germination.

Whether he was at O’Hare or Souix Falls Regional Airpot, Chief Keef would have been apprehended for presumably having these edibles. As our law clearly states,
Illinois thinks about any kind of derivative, combination, or preparation of cannabis the like
your routine old bag of weed. Who cares if that bag is 100% expanded marijuana and also
those brownies typically aren’t? Definitely, police, nor the state of Illinois, does.
They win regardless. Call Robert J Callahan Lawyer
Get Directions to Robert J Callahan Criminal Defense Lawyer

THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO APPLY FOR SEALING AND EXPUNGEMENT YOUR RAP SHEET IN ILLINOIS
A BRAND-NEW FRONTIER IN ILLINOIS SEALING AND ALSO EXPUNGEMENT LAW by a best chicago criminal defense attorneys
Nearly half of all grownups in Illinois have some type of rap sheet. If you’re reading this blog, you’re currently interested concerning the adverse influence a rap sheet could carry an individual’s lifetime capacity. Historically, expungement and also sealing of a rap sheet in Illinois was incredibly restricted. Just nine felony offenses were eligible for sealing. In addition, if you had also one sentence on your record, you can not get an expungement. Guv Rauner flipped the script over the last 2 years with two brand-new amendments (HB 2373 & HB 6328) to the Crook Recognition Act, 20 ILCS 2630. Residence Expense 2373 makes nearly all felonies eligible for sealing, with the exception of a handful of criminal offenses. Residence Bill 6328 enables people with a previous conviction to request for expungement.
Since August 24, 2017, you might seek for the sealing all convictions besides the following:
• Residential battery
• Battery or exacerbated battery on unborn kids
• Violations of orders of security
• DUI.
• Careless and also intensified negligent driving.
• Sex crimes.
• Violating/attempting to breach the sex offender pc registry.
• Crimes against pets under the Humane Look After Animals Act.
Notice, this amendment in theory allows for the sealing of even terrible offenses, not to mention top-level drug as well as burglary offenses. Individuals with eligible cl. X, cl. 1, or cl. 2 felony sentences can currently possibly get their sentences secured. Never ever has Illinois legislation for sealing rap sheets been so liberal and also permissive. With HB 2373, thousands of formerly ineligible people could currently look for sealing! Contact a criminal attorney Chicago today.
Yet what exactly is sealing? Exactly what’s the distinction between sealing and also expungement? Just what concerning clemency? Are there various other options? Check out listed below for a brief description of these terms according to Illinois law.
Sealing:.
• When records are secured, the petitioner’s name is gotten rid of from any type of main index or public document on the case. The documents are literally as well as online maintained but are unavailable to the general public without a court order. Police and also the court system will certainly still have access to the documents.
• Applicants need to wait at least 3 years after finishing their sentence prior to obtaining sealing.
• Most notably, upon sealing, you no longer have to divulge this conviction to companies. Actually, it is against the regulation for employers or potential companies to ask whether you’ve had any type of records removed or sealed. Just employers called for by state and also federal regulations to carry out criminal history checks could call for disclosure, such as a healthcare facility, college, childcare, or government entity. For this reason, it is important to work with a qualified Chicago criminal lawyer to guide you with the sealing procedure.

Expungement:.
The significant distinction in between expungement as well as sealing is the destruction or obliteration of the real documents.
• When a petition to expunge is approved the petitioner’s name is removed from any type of official index of public document and the records are actually ruined. Before the enactment of Home Expense 6328 in August of 2016, if you had any type of sentence on your document, you were invalidated from expungement. Hundreds of people who were formerly disqualified could now seek for expungement.
• Like sealing, you do not have to divulge a removed violation to a company. There is no waiting duration for arrests that didn’t lead to a conviction.
• The majority of violation offenses causing a sentence of guidance need a 2-year waiting period. Felony offenses qualified for expungement have a 5-year waiting duration.
Clemency:.
Clemency, additionally called an excuse, is the official mercy for the commission of a crime. Along with excuses, clemency can additionally be a commutation, or a decrease, of a current jail sentence. Unlike expungement and sealing, there is no waiting duration to file a request for clemency. In truth, the even more time that has passed because the infraction, the greater the chance of getting a clemency. It is necessary to keep in mind that an excuse is not a declaration of innocence. Nonetheless, when an individual obtains a pardon, they could get expungement after 5 years.
Certification of Rehabilitation:.
Certifications of rehabilitation can be provided no matter whether you qualify for expungement or sealing. A certificate of rehabilitation will not remove the criminal conviction from your record. It can be consisted of with a task application to explain your prior criminal history and also existing rehabilitation as an effective member of society. These sorts of certifications are released by the Circuit Court and also can be found in two types. The very first is a certification of good conduct. A certification of excellent conduct gets rid of any kind of civil as well as criminal obligation from your employer if they prefer to employ you. The 2nd is a certificate of relief from impairment. A certificate of remedy for special needs allows you to obtain a specialist license regardless of your criminal history.

Directions to Robert J Callahan – Criminal Defense Attorney

Act Currently and Discover If You Qualify:.
While House Bill 2373 substantially expands an individual’s capability to seal their criminal record in Illinois, it is by no suggests a free-for-all. Equally as previously, judges have the discretion to grant or deny applications for sealing or expungement. Because of this, it is important that any individual considering sealing, expungement, or requesting clemency employ an experienced, educated, and devoted law practice. At Robert Callahan & Associates, we remain ahead of the regulation so our clients could stay in front of their legal rights. We believe in second opportunities. Allow us get you your own.

Personal Bankruptcy is perhaps the best-known type of this financial obligation relief. We are bankruptcy attorneys attorneys. So exactly what is Chapter 13 Bankruptcy? Is it for individuals or businesses? Exists a simple means to recognize if this type of financial obligation protection is needed? More to the point, what will Chapter 7 eliminate as well as just what properties will be shed?
Exactly what is Personal Bankruptcy and why consult Gregory K Stern?
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is the ways whereby both people and some services can remove most financial debt. It is commonly described as “fresh start” bankruptcy since practically all debt is eliminated. Bankruptcy protection is just one of the rights ensured under the United States Constitution. It was consisted of in the starting record out of an understanding of financial obligation. The founding fathers understood just how debt was often utilized in England to compel people right into a form of enslavement referred to as indentured servitude. By consisting of the right to state bankruptcy, all citizens are supplied protection against such. To learn more about bankruptcy lawyers please click the link.
Can an Organisation Declare Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Defense?
Both businesses as well as individuals could file for Personal bankruptcy security, yet a lot of services do not. The reason is easy: If a service declare this form of bankruptcy, the business needs to be shut. In most cases, the individual declare bankruptcy on the business will not have an interest in losing their only methods of earnings. So whereas a company could file Chapter 7, few do.
Instead, most companies will declare either Chapter 13 bankruptcy. These kinds are made use of for restructuring and the better handling of financial obligation.
Just what is a Bankruptcy Means Examination?
The Federal Government has developed a Way Test in order to help anyone considering bankruptcy gain a clearer understanding regarding their monetary scenario. The examination considers the size of home and also the revenue at first. If revenue exceeds the state median based upon how many people reside in the home, then extra kinds must be finished. Taken with each other, these types will certainly help anyone recognize whether filing Chapter 7 is both feasible and advisable.
When customers involve Gregory K. Stern, P.C. Bankruptcy and also Foreclosure Attorneys for Chicago, they are encouraged similarly. Certainly, the Bankruptcy Means Examination supplied by the U. S. Department of Justice Judiciaries system can be complicated. That is why we offer a complimentary appointment to customers.
What Occurs to Retired life Funds and also Survivor Perks?
Among the most significant problems over filing for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy involves possessions. The assets that several voice worry over are retirement funds as well as similar forms of income. Both the state of Illinois and the Federal government give exceptions which protect particular properties, including most retirement funds. Adhering to are a few of the Federal possession exceptions …
• Social security settlements
• Railroad retired life
• CIA, Public service, as well as Army retired life
• Veterans Advantages
• Three-quarters of unpaid but earned income
• Survivor benefits for army employees, judges, as well as Court Directors
The state of Illinois protects the pension plans of state as well as local government workers. In addition, the following personal effects is excused from possession seizure:
• Up to $15,000 well worth of real estate per person (apartment, mobile home, co-op, ranch).
• Personal injury recoveries not exceeding $7500.
• Personal car up to $1200 worth.
• Disability advantages.
• Life insurance and annuities (restrictions apply).
• Shared section of an organisation partnership.
• Kid assistance.
• Spousal support.
• Tools and also various other things utilized as part of a profession valued up to $750.
• Wild Card = as much as $2000 worth of personal effects.
If partners apply for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy collectively, all numbers are doubled.
Exist Alternatives to Declaring PersonalBankruptcy?
There are choices to declaring Chapter 13 Bankruptcy. At Gregory K. Stern, P.C. Bankruptcy and Repossession Attorneys for Chicago, we will certainly check out all alternatives with you. Whether choices will serve in your situation or otherwise we can analyze. Several of the choices include discussing with creditors on your behalf to either reach a negotiation or far better terms of settlement. An additional could be filing for Personal restructuring of financial obligation. Furthermore, if you are dealing with lawsuits by a financial institution, we will be happy to represent you.
Our office lies at 53 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 1442, Chicago, Illinois 60604. Our number is …
312-427-1558.
Other Questions People Ask …
Are there different kinds of bankruptcy?
There are several types of bankruptcy. The varying Chapters are arranged according to the form of entity entailed. For instance, there is a kind for farm proprietors and anglers, municipalities/local governments, an additional when international entities are entailed, one especially for huge corporations, and also much more. At Gregory K. Stern, P.C. Bankruptcy as well as Repossession Attorneys for Chicago we specialize in Chapter 7, 11, and also 13.
Just what is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
Chapter 7 is the latest form of bankruptcy. It was established in 2005 as part of the Bankruptcy Abuse Avoidance and Customer Protection Act and covers Ancillary/Cross-Border Instances. The purpose is to give the tools had to implement insolvencies entailing celebrations outside the jurisdiction of the United States.
Exactly what is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is a form of financial obligation restructuring or reconstruction. It is referred to as Individual Financial obligation Change since as opposed to discharge all financial debts, the financial obligations are restructured at the order of the court. Thus lenders must comply with the terms set. Generally talking, Chapter 7 is utilized when the person filing for bankruptcy jobs and also has a consistent earnings.
For how long Does it Consider Bankruptcy Proceedings to be Finished?
Once all the needed details is gathered, filing might occur. So normally, within a few days the case might be opened. Of course, if there is an emergency situation such as foreshadowing repossession or foreclosure of an automobile, we can accelerate this procedure. About a month after you file, you will be called for to go to a Lender Satisfying. Last but not least, if there are no unforeseen hiccups, a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy can be total within a few months (typically concerning 90 days).
Call Gregory K. Stern, P.C. Bankruptcy as well as Repossession Attorneys for Chicago Currently.
For more than 30 years, the workplace of Gregory K. Stern, P.C. Bankruptcy as well as Foreclosure Attorneys has actually been assisting the people of Chicago deal with insolvencies, repossessions, and also financial obligation restructuring. We provide a free preliminary consultation as well as there is no commitment. Call us currently to set up a see.
312-427-1558.

Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer Wins Cases

MOVEMENT TO REDUCE GRANTED – CLASS X FELONY DRUGS SITUATION DISMISSED

When cops enter a person’s house without a search warrant, the assumption is that such an entry is prohibited. Under most circumstances, any type of proof confiscated as a result of that type of entrance will certainly be “reduced”. That basically implies that the situation cannot be prosecuted even more as well as will be disregarded said Robert Callahan – federal criminal defense attorney Chicago

In a current case, the Supreme Court laid out how the Constitution shields every U.S. resident from unlawful searches as well as seizures. The court mentioned: “The principal wickedness versus which the Fourth Amendment is guided is physical entrance into the house.” Click here for more information about criminal attorney Chicago

Our most recent dismissal is a prime example of how heavy handed search techniques by authorities can often backfire on them. A huge amount of cocaine, ecstasy and also cannabis were all ruled inadmissible as a result of a warrantless entrance right into an apartment. Call Robert J. Callahan – a lawyers

In 2015 cops reacted to a noise grievance at a house on the north side of Chicago. It was apparent that a party was going on when the police officers knocked on the door. When NT responded to the door, officers could smell a strong odor of burning cannabis originating from within. They asked NT to turn the songs down, as well as he said he would immediately. NT then attempted to close the door. One of the policemans stuck his means of access, and forced his way into the apartment or condo. Inside they recuperated over 200 euphoria pills, a number of extra pounds of marijuana, as well as over 50 grams of drug from NT’s pocket.

We filed a motion to reduce proof and the court carried out a hearing in May 2017.

During the hearing, the policeman indicated that he never ever put his foot in the door. He said that after scenting marijuana, he merely “poked his head inside” as well as glanced down the hall. He declared he then saw numerous mason jars consisting of marijuana. As a result, he placed NT under arrest as well as browsed the home.

It is not unusual for policemans to decrease transgression or even exist to aim to legitimize a poor (unconstitutional) arrest. With great preparation, study, as well as audio interrogation, we could usually defeat such habits, which’s just what happened here.

The judge agreed with our analysis of the Constitutional regulation. We said that even “poking your head inside” was an offense versus the 4th change and also NT’s legal rights. The judge subdued all the taken proof and the instance was disregarded.

MOVEMENT TO SUPPRESS GRANTED – CLASS X FELONY NARCOTIC Charge REJECTED

When authorities go into a person’s home without a search warrant, the presumption is that such an access is illegal. Under the majority of scenarios, any type of evidence seized as a result of that type of entry will certainly be “subdued”. That essentially suggests that the case cannot be prosecuted better and will certainly be rejected said criminal defense lawyers Robert Callahan.

In a current situation, the Supreme Court detailed just how the Constitution safeguards every U.S. citizen from illegal searches and seizures. The court mentioned: “The chief wickedness against which the Fourth Amendment is routed is physical entrance into the house.” Click here for more information about Chicago criminal attorney

Our latest termination is a prime example of just how heavy handed search methods by authorities can sometimes backfire on them. A large quantity of cocaine, euphoria as well as cannabis were all ruled inadmissible as a result of a warrantless entry right into an apartment or condo. Call Robert J. Callahan – a criminal defense Chicago

In 2014 police replied to a noise grievance at an apartment or condo on the north side of Chicago. It was obvious that a celebration was going on when the police officers knocked on the door. When NT answered the door, officers could scent a strong smell of shedding cannabis originating from within. They asked NT to turn the music down, as well as he claimed he would quickly. NT then tried to shut the door. One of the officers stuck his means of access, and also compelled his method right into the apartment. Inside they recouped over 200 ecstasy tablets, numerous extra pounds of marijuana, and also over 50 grams of drug from NT’s pocket.

We submitted a motion to suppress proof and also the court performed a hearing in May 2017.

During the hearing, the officer affirmed that he never ever put his foot in the door. He said that after smelling cannabis, he merely “jabbed his head inside” as well as glanced down the hall. He claimed he after that saw numerous mason jars including marijuana. Therefore, he put NT under arrest as well as looked the apartment or condo.

It is not unusual for policemans to reduce misconduct or perhaps lie to aim to legitimize a negative (unconstitutional) apprehension. With great prep work, research study, as well as sound interrogation, we can normally beat such behavior, which’s just what occurred here.

The court agreed with our analysis of the Constitutional legislation. We argued that also “jabbing your head inside” was an infraction versus the fourth change as well as NT’s rights. The judge reduced all the seized evidence and the situation was dismissed.

Personal Bankruptcy is maybe the best-known type of this financial debt relief. We are Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorneys. So what is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy? Is it for people or organisations? Exists an easy way to recognize if this kind of financial debt protection is needed? Even more to the point, exactly what will Chapter 13 remove and also what assets will be shed?
What is Personal Bankruptcy and why consult www.gregstern.com?
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is the methods through which both individuals as well as some companies could remove most financial debt. It is often referred to as “clean slate” bankruptcy because essentially all financial obligation is removed. Bankruptcy protection is among the legal rights ensured under the USA Constitution. It was consisted of in the founding document out of an understanding of financial debt. The founding fathers recognized exactly how debt was frequently utilized in England to compel people right into a type of slavery known as indentured bondage. By including the right to declare insolvency, all citizens are given security versus such. To learn more about bankruptcy please click the link.
Can a Company Declare Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Protection?
Both organisations as well as individuals could apply for Personal bankruptcy protection, but the majority of services do not. The reason is easy: If a service declare this kind of bankruptcy, business needs to be closed. In most cases, the individual declare bankruptcy on the business will certainly not want shedding their only methods of revenue. So whereas a business might file Chapter 7, few do.
Instead, most services will apply for either Personal bankruptcy. These kinds are utilized for restructuring and the better handling of financial debt.
What is a Bankruptcy Indicates Test?
The Federal Government has established a Means Examination to help any individual contemplating bankruptcy gain a more clear understanding about their economic scenario. The examination considers the size of family and the earnings initially. If income surpasses the state median based on the amount of people stay in the residence, after that added types should be finished. Taken together, these forms will certainly assist any individual know whether filing Chapter 7 is both sensible as well as advisable.
When customers concern Gregory K. Stern, P.C. Bankruptcy as well as Foreclosure Attorneys for Chicago, they are suggested in the same way. Of course, the Bankruptcy Method Examination given by the U. S. Department of Justice Courts system can be complicated. That is why we provide a totally free assessment to clients.
What Occurs to Retirement Funds and also Survivor Perks?
Among the largest worries over declare Chapter 7 Bankruptcy entails assets. The properties that many voice issue over are retirement funds and comparable forms of earnings. Both the state of Illinois and also the Federal federal government provide exemptions which shield certain possessions, consisting of most retirement funds. Adhering to are a few of the Federal possession exemptions …
• Social security settlements
• Railway retired life
• CIA, Civil Service, as well as Military retired life
• Experts Benefits
• Three-quarters of overdue but earned earnings
• Survivor benefits for military personnel, courts, as well as Court Directors
The state of Illinois shields the pensions of state and local government employees. On top of that, the adhering to personal effects is exempt from property seizure:
• Up to $15,000 well worth of real property each (condo, mobile home, co-op, ranch).
• Accident recoveries not surpassing $7500.
• Individual car up to $1200 value.
• Handicap advantages.
• Life insurance and annuities (constraints apply).
• Shared section of a service collaboration.
• Kid assistance.
• Alimony.
• Tools and various other things used as part of a profession valued up to $750.
• Wild Card = approximately $2000 worth of personal effects.
If spouses declare Personal Bankruptcy jointly, all numbers are doubled.
Exist Alternatives to Filing PersonalBankruptcy?
There are options to declaring Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. At Gregory K. Stern, P.C. Bankruptcy and Foreclosure Attorneys for Chicago, we will certainly discover all choices with you. Whether choices will certainly be useful in your instance or not we can assess. A few of the alternatives include bargaining with creditors on your behalf to either reach a settlement or much better regards to repayment. An additional may be applying for Personal restructuring of financial debt. Additionally, if you are facing lawsuits by a financial institution, we will more than happy to represent you.
Our office lies at 53 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 1442, Chicago, Illinois 60604. Our number is …
312-427-1558.
Other Concerns Individuals Ask …
Exist different sort of bankruptcy?
There are numerous kinds of bankruptcy. The differing Phases are sorted according to the type of entity involved. For instance, there is a kind for ranch owners and anglers, municipalities/local federal governments, an additional when international entities are included, one especially for big companies, as well as much more. At Gregory K. Stern, P.C. Bankruptcy and Repossession Attorneys for Chicago we specialize in Chapter 7, 11, and also 13.
Exactly what is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
Chapter 7 is the most recent kind of bankruptcy. It was developed in 2005 as part of the Bankruptcy Misuse Prevention and also Customer Protection Act and also covers Ancillary/Cross-Border Instances. The objective is to provide the devices should carry out insolvencies entailing parties outside the jurisdiction of the United States.
Just what is Personal Bankruptcy?
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is a kind of financial obligation restructuring or reconstruction. It is described as Individual Financial debt Adjustment because instead of release all financial debts, the financial debts are restructured at the order of the court. Hence financial institutions should follow the terms set. Typically speaking, Personal is utilized when the individual filing for bankruptcy jobs and has a constant income.
For how long Does it Consider Bankruptcy Process to be Finished?
As soon as all the needed information is gathered, filing might take place. So normally, within a few days the instance may be opened. Of course, if there is an emergency situation such as putting in jeopardy repossession or repossession of an automobile, we can quicken this procedure. About a month after you submit, you will certainly be required to attend a Creditor Meeting. Finally, if there are no unanticipated missteps, a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy can be full within a few months (usually about 90 days).
Call Gregory K. Stern, P.C. Bankruptcy as well as Repossession Attorneys for Chicago Currently.
For more than Three Decade, the office of Gregory K. Stern, P.C. Bankruptcy as well as Repossession Attorneys has been helping the people of Chicago handle bankruptcies, repossessions, and financial debt restructuring. We offer a totally free initial appointment as well as there is no commitment. Call us currently to arrange a visit.
312-427-1558.

This just keeps getting stranger …for those of you that are unaware, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) instructed all authorized Ignition Interlock vendors to install GPS tracking in their devices.  This major change to the Ignition Interlock program allows the government to track all movements of the program’s participants and was done solely by the DPS, without even consulting the legislature.

Recently,  a Hennepin County judge issued an injunction that prevented the DPS from enforcing this requirement, citing clear  constitutional issues with GPS tracking without a warrant.

It gets worse.  Today, in the Minnesota Lawyer (you may need a subscription to read the whole article) another piece of information came to light: the GPS tracking data is public information, obtainable by a simple Government Data Practices request.  Lawmakers were stunned to learn that a citizen can obtain GPS information of all Ignition Interlock drivers, or a specific individual.  The concerns raised ranged from stalking to vendors selling the GPS data to third parties.

Representative Peggy Scott, chair of the House Civil Law and Data Practices Policy committee, is now drafting a bill that would immediately stop all Ignition Interlock GPS tracking. Additionally, the bill would limit the DPS’s rule making ability to prevent something like this from ever happening again without legislative approval. We all learned as children what happens when trust is broken.

There are two types of warrants in Massachusetts, arrest warrants and bench warrants. A bench warrant is generally the less serious of the two. These are issued for multiple reasons, including failure to show up at a court hearing or failure to pay child support. Arrest warrants are usually reserved for more serious criminal cases. In the case of a bench warrant, police don’t usually search out and arrest the defendant, but bench warrants are serious matters and should be handled as such. If a bench warrant is issued against you, your name will be entered into a database that can be accessed by all law enforcement at any time. In addition to fines, a bench warrant can put you behind bars. If you have an outstanding warrant, contact a Boston criminal defense attorney today.

You Can’t Hide From a Warrant

Although bench warrants don’t usually result in an active search, they often end up in an arrest. This is because any dealings with the police – even a minor fender bender for which you’re not at fault – can reveal the bench warrant. If a bench warrant remains unresolved, it can also result in the suspension of your driver’s license. Further, you will not be able to renew an expired license until the matter is resolved.

Once you’ve been arrested, things can get complicated, and costly. To be released from custody, you will need to pay bail, which typically covers fines and court costs associated with the underlying offense, as well as for your failure to appear in court. After that, you’ll be given another court date.

Resolve Warrants As Quickly As Possible

To avoid extra costs, court hearings and stress, it’s important to resolve bench warrants immediately. If you are aware of a warrant for your arrest, make arrangements to pay bail as soon as possible. This will usually result in the warrant being canceled, with some exceptions. If, for example, you paid bail but then missed your court date, bail is usually forfeited. However, if the judge is convinced you had a legitimate reason for missing court, you may be able to retrieve your bail money. Alternatively, the judge may credit the bail toward some of your fines. An outstanding warrant has many consequences in MA, but it can be resolved with relative ease if you take the proper steps in a timely manner.

Hire an Experienced Defense Lawyer

If you have an outstanding warrant, it is in your best interest to consult with an experienced defense attorney right away. At Altman & Altman, LLP, we will file all necessary motions with the court, appear in court on your behalf, and work with the prosecutor. Contact an experienced Boston defense lawyer today if a warrant has been issued for your arrest.

Altman & Altman, LLP – Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving All of Massachusetts

If you have been charged with any type of criminal offense, we can help. Don’t let an outstanding bench warrant for a minor offense turn into a costly, stressful mess. You can’t hide from a warrant; it will catch up with you eventually. If you have questions about how to resolve an outstanding warrant, the skilled legal team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. We will analyze the details of your situation and help you determine the best way to move forward. We will appear in court on your behalf, and will position you for the best possible outcome. It is our goal to keep you out of jail and to reduce the financial impact of fines and related costs. If a warrant for your arrest has been issued, we can help.